Nathan Shaked—lawyer, businessman and former Israeli soldier—is the current Mr. Gay International.

By Brent Miller

“To raise the visibility of non-stereotypical gay men, humanize gays in the media and confront homophobia in today’s culture.”–mission statement, Mr. Gay Competition

With a mission statement like that, one might assume the competition to be more of an episode of Survivor than a walk down the runway. According to Don Spradlin, executive producer of the Mr. Gay Competition, it’s a combination of both. The competition is judged on a point scale according to the following criteria: quick learner, athleticism, attitude, intelligence, charisma, communication, maturity, values, appearance, stage presence and the judge’s question. Spradlin remarks, “I tried to get rid of the swimsuit category, but everyone attacked me for it. It’s not so much about the physical aspect, it’s more about the message we’re trying to deliver. However, if the person delivering the message looks nice, it tends to make a whole lot of people pay attention.”

Shaked’s title came with no cash award, no getaway trip for two, not even dinner at The Ivy. At this point in time, it’s more of a positive recognition of the image the winner is currently portraying in the gay community. It’s not about criticizing or ridiculing those who choose to represent the media stereotypes—effeminate, leather or drag types. Instead, it’s about recognizing types like Nathan Shaked and helping to heighten public awareness of the non-stereotypical gay lifestyles that exist.

The middle child of three, Shaked was born in Israel on May 16, 1969. He grew up in a “normal” Jewish household, with a younger brother and an older sister. His sister understands and embraces his sexuality. His brother, on the other hand, has yet to accept it. Although his parents have acknowledged his sexuality, they choose not to talk about it. He came out to all of them only seven years ago at the age of 30.

At 18, Shaked graduated from high school and entered the army, a requirement of the Israeli government. What is it like being gay in the Israeli Army at such a critical and hormonally active time in life? “Gay issues didn’t exist,” Shaked says. “I didn’t look at the other guys in a sexual way. These were my friends. I was in the closet. I was sleeping with girls just like they were. The army wasn’t a sexual thing; it was about discipline and training.”

Did anyone make assumptions about him or guess his secret? “I was never teased or harassed,” he says. “I didn’t care what anybody thought of me, and nobody ever had any idea I was gay. Like I said, gay issues just didn’t exist.”

Now that he is out of the closet, he has run into several old army pals. “Most of them are cool with it.,” he shares. “I’m like their token gay friend.”

After five years of service, two more than the government requires, Shaked left the army to attend Brunel University in London where he received a law degree. He began practicing commercial law immediately, and by age 30, he had decided it wasn’t for him.

“There are two things I can’t stand about being a lawyer: You are always bad to someone, and you are always involved in someone’s business,” he says.

Being a closeted gay man only added fuel to the fire. “I became a professional liar,” he says bluntly.

While practicing law, he stumbled upon some real estate investments that helped lead him to his current venture: fitness clubs. However, Shaked’s clubs are not just your average gyms. They are upscale, full-service fitness clubs built in high-end hotels. By his description, they sound comparable to L.A.’s Equinox. Shaked built his first club three and a half years ago, and is currently working on his seventh.

While his Adonis-like physique certainly helped, he clearly didn’t win his title simply on physical criteria. Shaked is intelligent, articulate, charismatic, athletic and an all around good guy. Although some may think his age could have hurt his chances at the title, his confident, calm and poised manner made him stand out against the 20-somethings. In a society obsessed with ageism, this alone was an accomplishment.

Age and looks aside, Shaked is a man embarking on a journey. While maintaining the vision of Spradlin’s mission statement, he is actively producing a documentary-style television series based on gay men leading “conventional” lives. The series follows gay men who raise families, participate in religious activities, serve in the military and deal with life’s ordinary challenges—not necessarily as gay men, but as a human beings.

With such a busy schedule, it would be easy to think Shaked had no time for a personal life. “If you find the right person, you make the time,” he says, acknowledging that he is currently single.

As for his family, his new title has helped them progress a little closer to acceptance. “As I mentioned earlier, my parents choose not to talk about it,” he shares. “But three months ago, for the first time in 37 years, my mother came to me and said, ‘Nathan, I am so very proud of you.’ I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. Obviously my crusade is working.”

While some might see a disconnect between the Mr. Gay Competition’s mission statement and an event that features a group of men in Speedos on a runway, the competition has certainly resulted in a winner who embodies the spirit of that mission. Shaked has the qualities to deliver the competition’s message to the world, and to serve as a true Mr. Gay International.